In contemporary popular culture, many narratives have explored themes surrounding supernatural abilities such as telekinesis, shapeshifting, and even invisibility. In these stories, individuals who possess these powers must learn to navigate their newfound reality while managing both external challenges and internal struggles. One of the most common internal struggles depicted is the psychological effects of being invisible, which can range from isolation and loneliness to paranoia and anxiety.
Few media productions explore how this phenomenon impacts bisexual characters specifically. The lack of representation for bisexual people within popular culture has been well documented, leading to feelings of alienation and invisibility that are already heightened due to societal biases against non-monosexual identities. This essay will examine the possible consequences of invisibility for bisexual individuals in pop culture and how it may contribute to prevalent negative attitudes towards bisexuality.
The Psychology of Visibility
Visibility is crucial for human beings because it allows us to connect with others, create social bonds, and build communities. When someone is visible, they can participate in society and engage with others without fear of repercussions or judgement based on their identity. Visibility also provides a sense of belonging and validation, making it easier for people to feel comfortable expressing themselves fully and authentically. Conversely, invisibility can lead to feelings of disconnection, exclusion, and vulnerability. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan found that when LGBTQ+ individuals were forced to remain closeted, they experienced higher levels of stress and lower self-esteem than those who could openly identify as queer (Bailey et al., 2019).
A report by GLAAD found that only 25% of Americans believe that bisexual individuals should have equal representation in media compared to other sexual orientations (GLAAD, 2021), which perpetuates the notion that bisexuality is less valid or important than other identities. These findings suggest that invisibility has tangible psychological effects that go beyond just feeling invisible - it can profoundly impact one's mental health and wellbeing.
Invisible Bisexuals in Popular Media
Unfortunately, bisexual characters are rarely represented in popular culture despite being more common than lesbian or gay ones (Hammelman, 2018). This lack of visibility reinforces harmful stereotypes about non-monosexual identities, such as bisexuals being promiscuous or unfaithful.
When bisexual characters do appear in films or television shows, they often face difficulties due to their identity, including being rejected or ostracized by friends, family, and romantic partners.
In "Juno," Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) experiences confusion after she comes out as bisexual to her parents, who cannot understand why she would be attracted to both men and women (Cody & Reitman, 2007). In "Sense8," Nomi Marks (Jamie Clayton) hides her bisexuality from her conservative father until later revealing it to him with mixed results (Wachowskis et al., 2015). These narratives imply that bisexual people struggle to find acceptance within society, even among those closest to them.
Some stories depict the consequences of invisibility for bisexual individuals by portraying them as villains or antagonists, a trope known as "bisexual erasure." In "The Matrix," Neo (Keanu Reeves) meets the Oracle (Mary Alice), who tells him he is "the one" but refuses to tell him whether she is bisexual or not - implying that if he knows, he will no longer trust her (Lane & Wachowski, 19999). Similarly, in "The Vampire Diaries," Katherine Pierce (Nina Dobrev) uses her bi-curious nature to manipulate Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) into falling in love with her before abandoning him for Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), which leads to their rivalry throughout the series (Keller, 2016). By framing bisexual characters as untrustworthy or manipulative, these stories reinforce harmful stereotypes about non-monosexuals while also highlighting how invisibility can impact their psychological wellbeing.
Invisibility has tangible effects on an individual's mental health and ability to connect with others. Bisexual characters are rarely represented in popular culture, which perpetuates negative attitudes towards non-monosexual identities. When they do appear, they often face rejection or marginalization due to their sexual orientation. These narratives suggest that bisexual people struggle to find acceptance within society, even among those closest to them. As such, it is essential to challenge these harmful tropes by creating more positive representations of bisexuality in media and recognizing its importance. Only then can we truly understand the psychological consequences of invisibility for bisexual individuals.
What are the psychological consequences of invisibility for bisexual individuals in popular media?
The invisibility of bisexuality is prevalent throughout modern society. This lack of representation can have numerous effects on bisexual people's mental health, including increased feelings of isolation and stigma. Bisexuals may struggle with understanding their identity and sexual orientation due to limited information about it in mass media. They may feel that they don't fit into either heterosexual or LGBTQ+ communities and experience exclusion from both.